August STEM Events for Your Aspiring Scientists

Looking for things to do with your little science lovers? We’ve rounded up some of the best STEM events in the NJ area.

By Megan Muessen

Published: July 24, 2018

Courtesy of Field Station: Dinosaurs Facebook page

Bring your mini maker out of her room for new and exciting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) events. From 4-H fairs to dino digs, there’s something for lil’ scientists of all sizes to enjoy this month.

Where: David C. Wood 4-H Center & Fairgrounds, Mays LandingPrice: Free admissionDeets: This 4-H fair is home to a variety of STEM activities including robotics and model railroads, in addition to classic arts and crafts, baking, preserving and fine arts. Check out projects like small engines and composts for real-life inspiration.

Where: Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island, NYPrice: Included in admission, free/membersDeets: Ages 1-10 can create their own constellation viewers with everyday items. Use them to gaze up at the nighttime sky and find the Big Dipper with your lil’ astronomer.

Where: Planetarium at RVCC, BranchburgPrice: $8Deets: It’s out there, but we have no idea what it’s made of. Pack the 10-and-uppers into the car for a nighttime exploration of dark matter. Learn how scientists research and perform experiments in space and on Earth (deep underground!). Reservations suggested.

Where: New Jersey State Museum, TrentonPrice: FreeDeets: Lil’ adventurers ages 6 months to 5 years can learn about shapes and patterns, read a storybook, explore the NJ Original Peoples exhibit and hit the STEAM Center for activities and games. Reservations suggested.

Where: Morris Museum, MorristownPrice: Included with admissionDeets: It’s true, dinos once ate rocks. The kids can learn other cool prehistoric facts, plus hold fossils, tour a new exhibit and make their own fossil casts to take home. Registration required.

Where: Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fairgrounds, LambertvillePrice: FreeDeets: Aside from the animals, circus acts, magic shows and rides, stop on by to witness a robotics tournament with your mini maker for a dose of inspiration.

Where: Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, MadisonPrice: $80/non-members, $68/membersDeets: It’s a blast from the past. Ages 5-10 can learn how people have traveled through the years: whether by carriage, train or boat, they’ll learn about horses, steam power and more.

Where: Field Station: Dinosaurs, LeoniaPrice: Included with admissionDeets: Every Saturday, make it your mission to visit the park’s special guests, ranging from puppeteer Chris Palmieri to Mad Science’s “Magnetic Matt,” School of Rock Montclair’s Kevin March and a geologist with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey CityPrice: Included with admissionDeets: The little ones can channel their inner paleontologists as they get down and dirty in 35 tons of sand, where more than 60 full-sized dinosaur bones are hidden. Ends September 3.

Where: American Museum of Natural History, NYCPrice: $28/adults, $16.50/kidsDeets: Check out interactive media installations, watch 3D animations of great white sharks, try the magnetic sand table and visit live marine animals while learning about the ocean and the tech used to explore it. Ends January 6.

Where: Liberty Science Center, Jersey CityPrice: $5 in addition to admissionDeets: Parents, have no fear: Your kids can be gross here. Kids love the ooey and icky, and this comedic exhibition will answer all their questions. From what’s up their noses to what happens in the bathroom, they’ll learn about their bodies in an approachable way. They’ll even get to play a supersized version of Operation. Ends September 23.

Where: Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, MillvillePrice: $10Deets: Got lil’ STEM lovers at home? Head to this curated exhibit featuring science-inspired work from more than 20 contemporary artists. You’ll want to check out the glass pieces that magnify, distort and illuminate, each creating different perceptions of the world. Ends December 30.